After the unexpected demise of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, the Islamic Republic of Iran was compelled to find a new President. Elections took place on June 28 with approximately 61 million Iranians aged 18 and older eligible to vote. The Guardian Council, responsible for screening candidates for office in the Islamic Republic, approved six of the 80 individuals who registered to run.
The winner is determined by either securing a majority of the votes in the first round or, if no candidate achieves a majority, through a second round of voting between the top two finishers. The first round saw a low turnout of less than 40%, reflecting political apathy and pessimism about change. However, in a surprising turn of events, Masoud Pezeshkian won the second round of the presidential election with approximately 53.7% of the vote share. This translates to about 16.3 million votes, while his opponent, Saeed Jalili, received around 13.5 million.
Pezeshkian was a reformist candidate who re-energized urban and pro-change voters in the second round, contrasting with Jalili’s promises of increased social control and global confrontation. Internal disputes within the conservative camp also contributed to Pezeshkian’s victory. Pezeshkian promised a liberal path, aiming for peace, internet freedom, and lifting social restrictions, especially on women.
Born in 1954, in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, and of Azeri and Kurdish ethnicity, the new President has a medical degree (cardiology and heart surgery) from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. A professional cardiologist, he has been a Member of Parliament for Tabriz (since 2006) and speaks Persian, Azeri, Kurdish, Arabic, and English.
One aspect of his personal life that reveals his personality is that he raised three remaining children as a single parent after he tragically lost his wife and youngest son in a car accident 30 years ago. Pezeshkian’s daughter Zahra holds a master’s degree in chemistry and is considered the new president’s political adviser.
As Pezeshkian takes office as the 9th President of Iran, he knows that the real power in Iran lies with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who heads the Guardian Council. In the last election in 2021, Khamenei had disallowed Pezeshkian to contest for president. The 69-year-old heart surgeon and former health minister who has served under two liberal presidents, Ayatollah Khatami, and Hassan Rouhani, is also aware of the limitations of the presidency in effecting change in Iran under the watchful eyes of those who dominate the country’s polity.
Pezeshkian has consistently been a vocal critic of corruption and an advocate for reform. His election also brings hope for diplomatic engagement and economic reform. “We are ahead of a big trial, a trial of hardships and challenges, simply to provide a prosperous life to our people,” he said during brief remarks at the mausoleum of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The challenges his administration will have to confront are on multiple fronts.
Domestically, Iran faces crippling economic sanctions, high inflation, and a declining standard of living. Pezeshkian’s approach aims to revive the economy by addressing inflation and securing deals to lift sanctions on oil revenues and banking transactions.
He is reported to have said, “We would need $200bn annually in investment, which is impossible under current conditions, therefore solving our international issues is crucial.”
On the critical issue of women’s rights, he once stated, “Girls and women are our own and not foreigners. We have no right to force girls and women regarding citizenship rights. We will not be able to cover women’s heads through coercion.”
Pezeshkian’s victory thus marks a shift back to a moderate reformist agenda. He opposed the mandatory hijab law, promised to disband the morality police, and aimed to lift internet restrictions. How far will he be successful in living up to those promises, only time will tell.
Externally, his approach to diplomacy and foreign relations can be gauged by his assertion that Iran “must behave well with everyone and establish a good relationship with everyone based on dignity and interests.”
Pezeshkian aims to enhance relations with Arab nations, continuing and deepening the diplomatic efforts initiated by his predecessor with Saudi Arabia to promote regional stability and economic collaboration. Pezeshkian recognizes China as a critical economic partner but has expressed concerns about the unequal benefits of this partnership. He has criticized China’s exploitation of Iran’s international isolation, highlighting delays and imbalances in trade and investment projects under the 25-year strategic accord.
Despite the threat of direct conflict with Israel shaping Iran’s strategic decisions, Pezeshkian’s willingness to engage with the West and pursue economic diplomacy represents a significant shift from previous administrations. His stance suggests a potential improvement in relations with Western countries.
However, Iran’s animosity toward Israel, a state policy set at the highest levels, is unlikely to change. Iran’s role in the Middle East, including its support for various militant groups, known as the “Axis of Resistance” in countries like Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen remains a critical aspect of its strategic interests and is likely to remain the same.
Pezeshkian believes in reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and views the nuclear deal as essential for easing economic sanctions and re-establishing Iran’s global credibility. He supports re-engagement with the US, emphasizing pragmatic and results-oriented negotiations. Mohammad Javad Zarif, his campaign’s chief foreign policy adviser, brokered the 2015 nuclear deal and brought significant experience to Pezeshkian’s team.
India and Iran have a history of strong economic ties. With the election of Pezeshkian as Iran’s new president, there are expectations of a shift towards more pragmatic and reformist policies, which could impact India-Iran economic ties. His approach is expected to maintain and deepen economic ties, with a particular focus on projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Iran’s interest in increasing oil exports against ongoing Western sanctions could provide India with a reliable and potentially cheaper source of crude oil. The election of Pezeshkian as President of Iran has signalled winds of change. His success will depend on how well he manages to convince the “nezam” (system) to go along with his ideas for turning Iran into a peaceful and prosperous nation.